Traditional Mekong Delta Fishing: Unique Eel Trapping in U Minh Ha

In the U Minh Ha melaleuca forests of Ca Mau Province, located in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, the peak of the rainy season has arrived, blanketing the landscape in a deep green. Beneath the dense melaleuca trees, reddish-brown, acidic water flows through a network of canals. This is the time when Ca Mau fishermen begin their intensive season of eel trapping using a traditional device known as "trúm." The "trúm" is a cylindrical fishing tool, typically woven from bamboo, ingeniously designed to attract eels. It is placed in the waterways, and fishermen wait for eels to enter. This method has been passed down through generations in the region, supporting the livelihoods of local residents as a sustainable fishing practice with minimal environmental impact. The U Minh Ha area is characterized by vast wetlands and melaleuca forests, fostering a unique ecosystem. This rich natural environment allows for abundant aquatic resources, particularly a plentiful catch of eels. Fishermen, drawing on years of experience and knowledge, are intimately familiar with eel behavior and water flow characteristics, enabling them to fish efficiently by strategically placing their "trúm." Under Vietnam's one-party system, the preservation and development of traditional industries and cultures in rural areas are considered important objectives. These region-specific fishing methods are not merely a means of livelihood but also hold value as part of the local identity and cultural heritage. The government is showing signs of supporting the protection of traditional fishing practices and their utilization as sustainable tourism resources, aiming to balance environmental conservation with regional economic revitalization. In recent years, Vietnam's economy has experienced rapid growth. However, there are concerns that the concentration of population in urban areas and changes in industrial structure are leading to the erosion of traditional rural lifestyles and cultures. The eel trapping in U Minh Ha can be seen as symbolizing the lives of people who continue to preserve their deeply rooted traditions and live in harmony with nature amidst these changes. Source: The Saigon Times